Author: Lorraine Garcia, PhD, LCPC

I am a humanist psychotherapist and hold to the core belief that each person, simply by being, is inherently worthy of living a successful and fulfilling life. With experience and training in various treatment modalities from supportive therapy to deep trauma work, my intention is to assist clients overcome barriers as they reach toward emotional health and well-being.

Coping with Covid-19

May 5, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we view the world and live our lives, how we relate to others, and how we do our work. We lack clear answers about what to think and what to do, how the virus spreads and how it can be contained, how it impacts the economy, and how long it will take before life goes back to normal, or will things ever go back to normal.

One of the more difficult parts of this pandemic is the social isolation as social connectedness is an essential condition for human life. Long ago Aristotle wrote that “Man is by nature a social animal; an individual who is unsocial naturally and not accidentally is either beneath our notice or more than human. Society is something that precedes the individual.”  (Aristotle).  People need people.

I enjoy my work and as much as I like seeing my patients in the flesh, across the room, and feeling their energy, for the time-being as part of the social distancing, I am doing video therapy exclusively.  While it is different and can take a little adjusting to, video therapy can and does work. It requires only a computer or phone with enough bandwidth or data to use the camera and audio settings.

Here are a few thoughts and simple strategies to keep in mind while coping with the stress of the pandemic and social isolation.

One of my patients told me, “I’ve given thought to how the pandemic is bothering me.  There is this background hum of a dissonant chord. It is uncomfortable and unnerving, and it won’t go away.”  However, is finding that as a photographer by trade, his passion for photography helps him transform his run away thoughts and fears into being present and in the moment. He said, “I have to stay present when photographing the flower because once picked, it has limited life.”

  • Begin your day with intention%Gy3CpONQmSyWhKZu1ZMog. Take a moment to think about how to organize your day.
  • Meditate, do yoga, listen to quiet music, or breathe slowly and deeply.
  • Exercise for at least 15 minutes a day. Even a brisk walk will do.
  • Show compassion for yourself and others.
  • Eat well. Don’t worry about “dieting” but rather concern yourself with healthy eating habits.
  • Stay in touch with people who are important to you.
  • Watch a TV show or YouTube video you think is funny.
  • Take a break from social media.

Planned Closures

August 28, 2017

Planned Office Closures & Inclement Weather Policy

2017 Planned Office Closures (updated as of 8/09/17):

  • August 11th through August 14th
  • September 4th
  • September 11th
  • September 22nd
  • October 20th through October 25
  • November 22nd- closing early (time TBD)
  • November 23rd and 24th

Weather Policy:

Please be advised that when we approach the winter months, there may be times when I need to close due to inclement weather. Emails will be sent out if there are office closures. I will generally follow Baltimore City school closures; however, there may be times when the City schools close and I will stay open. Please check in with me if the weather is bad!

Holiday Resource: Check out this Holiday Survival Checklist. It is a great tool to remind you that while holidays can be happy and exciting, they can also bring up mixed emotions and stress!